Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar Honoured with Padma Shri

From Mamidala to the Nation: Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar Honoured with Padma Shri

India’s higher education ecosystem marked a proud and historic moment with the conferment of the Padma Shri (2026) upon M. Jagadesh Kumar, recognising his lifetime contributions to education, research, and academic leadership.

An Inspiring Academic Journey

Born on April 8, 1960, in Mamidala village of Telangana’s Nalgonda district, Prof. Jagadesh Kumar’s early life was shaped by the values of learning and service, inspired by his father, a primary school teacher. He earned his Master’s and PhD in Electrical Engineering from IIT Madras, followed by post-doctoral research at the University of Waterloo, Canada, under the mentorship of Prof. David J. Roulston.

His research in nanoelectronics and semiconductor devices has left a lasting global impact, positioning him among India’s most respected engineers and scholars.

Scholar, Teacher, and Mentor

As a Professor at IIT Delhi, Prof. Kumar:

• Published over 200 high-impact research papers

• Filed patents and authored seminal books in transistor technology

• Guided numerous undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD scholars

His academic work has been widely cited and internationally acknowledged.

Shaping India’s Higher Education System

Beyond research, Prof. Kumar’s leadership transformed Indian higher education:

• Vice-Chancellor, Jawaharlal Nehru University (2016–2022)

• Chairman, University Grants Commission (2022–2025)

He played a decisive role in institutional reforms, quality assurance, innovation, and access—working closely with bodies such as UGC, NAAC, AICTE, National Council of Science Museums, and IN-SPACe.

During his tenure, he consistently advocated for:

• Strengthening universities and colleges

• Supporting teachers and researchers

• Expanding access for students from rural and socially disadvantaged backgrounds

• Encouraging innovation and academic excellence

National and Global Recognition

Prof. Jagadesh Kumar is a Fellow of:

• Indian National Academy of Engineering

• National Academy of Sciences, India

• Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers

He has received several prestigious awards, including the IETE Ram Lal Wadhwa Gold Medal and the ISA-VSI TechnoMentor Award.

Leaders across the country, including the Hon’ble Union Minister for Education and the University Grants Commission, have lauded his contributions as transformative and nation-building.

A Legacy of Purpose and Humility

Accepting the Padma Shri, Prof. Kumar reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive, high-quality education—emphasising that teachers and students remain at the heart of all meaningful reform.

His journey from a small village to the pinnacle of national recognition stands as a powerful reminder that education, when guided by integrity and vision, can transform individuals, institutions, and nations.